Two minor girls sexually assaulted by school van driver in Pune

Two young schoolgirls were sexually assaulted by their bus driver in Pune. The assailant, a 45-year-old man known for transporting students from school, allegedly committed the heinous act while the girls were seated at the front of the school bus. Following the incident, the police initiated an investigation and registered a case against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that the driver exhibited alarming behavior, sitting too close to the victims and making inappropriate advances. This incident has ignited widespread outrage among parents and the community in Pune, reigniting discussions around the safety of children in educational settings. It’s particularly troubling given that this event follows another case in Maharashtra where two four-year-old girls were also victims of sexual assault by a school member.

In the earlier incident, the accused, Akshay Shinde, was arrested but later killed in a police encounter. The school authorities faced backlash for their delayed response when parents reported the abuse. Those in charge failed to act promptly, despite being informed about the assaults, leading to legal repercussions under the POCSO Act. The tampering of CCTV footage further complicates the situation, raising concerns about accountability within educational institutions.

The recent assault has prompted parents to voice their concerns louder than ever. Many are demanding stricter regulations and heightened monitoring of school transport services to ensure the safety of minors. Community activists are also calling for more stringent measures against offenders, emphasizing the need for immediate action against individuals who compromise children's safety.